Beyond the Bill: Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit)

Photo Credit: Sylvia Santana’s Facebook page

Beyond the Bill is a new segment that features a Michigan Legislator for Detroit Regional Chamber members to get to know on a more personal level and highlight their legislative priorities.

This week, the Chamber is spotlighting Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). First elected to the State Senate in 2018 after serving two years in the Michigan House, Santana has established herself as a strong advocate for increasing access to education and juvenile reform in Michigan. Currently, she is active on a number of committees, including serving as the Majority Vice Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee and the Housing and Human Services Committee.

Reflecting on her legislative priorities, Santana emphasized health policy as a top concern.

“From directing appropriations to advancing legislation, I’ve prioritized expanding access to care and improving health outcomes for Michiganders,” she said. “Right now, with recent federal actions creating uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for the Michigan Legislature to champion equitable, innovative policies that protect our constituents and strengthen our health care system.”

Santana serves Michigan’s 2nd Senate district, which includes portions of Detroit, Dearborn, and Melvindale. When asked about challenges facing her district, infrastructure topped her list.

“Severe storms are becoming more frequent and intense, overwhelming local sewer systems and causing flooding in homes and streets. This has led to millions in property damage, higher insurance premiums, and increased energy costs,” she said. “Addressing these challenges requires statewide attention and investment in resilient infrastructure.”

When further discussing the hidden gems in her District, the Senator said that the “In Memory of” Community Garden is one of the best places to visit in District 2.

“It’s a wonderful place for residents to shop for fresh vegetables, enjoy the playscape with family, or simply take in the beautiful scenery,” she said. “It is a great example of community-driven revitalization.”

Looking back on her time in office, Santana said the legislative “complex” pace and process surprised her most about being a legislator, explaining that sometimes negotiations and procedural steps can take months or even years. She also emphasized the importance of bipartisanship in achieving results, which she said taught her patience and persistence.

“You can write the best policy in the world, but without building trust and coalitions, it’s very difficult to get things done,” she said. “Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but when you finally see a bill signed into law and know it will make a real difference for people, it’s worth every step of the process.”